The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) has announced the establishment of a dedicated access to information (ATI) division.
The new division, housed within Cran’s communication and consumer relations department, will be responsible for implementing the Access to Information Act.
In a statement on Wednesday, Cran said the division will proactively manage information to promote transparency, accountability and good governance.
“This division will be responsible for proactively disseminating information, responding to requests for access, and facilitating internal reviews, appeals and judicial processes related to information access,” said the communications regulator.
Cran has appointed communication and customer relations officer Mufaro Nesongano as its information officer. Jennifer Pogisho will serve as the deputy information officer, and access to information manager.
The ATI Act was gazetted in December 2022 after years of lobbying from civil society organisations, but is not yet enforced. It establishes the right of individuals to access information held by both public and private entities.
The act aims to make information crucial for protecting and exercising personal freedoms more readily available. It also outlines exemptions, allowing entities to withhold classified, personnel or third-party information where disclosure would infringe on the rights of others.
The statement said the act marks a transformative period for Namibia, reinforcing the country’s commitment to transparency and democratic governance.
Cran clarified that the act complements, rather than replaces, existing information-sharing channels, strengthening the framework for proactive and
structured information dissemination to all stakeholders.
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